Products made with strips of fleece material

ABSTRACT

The present relates to “synthetic fleece” fashioned into relatively thin, elongated strips of varying lengths and widths adapted for a variety of uses alone or in combination with other products to enhance the product.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/479,533, entitled Products Made with Strips of Fleece Material and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/479,544, entitled Apparatus and Method for Cleaning Surfaces, filed Jun. 18, 2003, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/479,533, entitled Products Made with Strips of Fleece Material, filed Jun. 18, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/479,544, entitled Apparatus and Method for Cleaning Surfaces, filed Jun. 18, 2003, are incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to products that include, at least in part, strips of synthetic fleece material, and in particular, to products that include the strips in ways that are integrated into functional products, or can be made into functional products.

[0005] 2. Problems in the Art

[0006] The marketplace is always looking for new and improved products. Sometimes consumers are searching for products that are aesthetically appealing and/or both functional and aesthetically appealing.

[0007] There are a number of consumer products that could be enhanced aesthetically and/or functionally. Examples are many. Synthetic fleece is an exciting new fabric that has taken the sewing world by storm. The polyester fleece market is the fastest growing fabric in the industry worldwide. It is used to make a wide variety of consumer goods. Polyester fleece is an excellent insulator from the cold and can aid in the warming of extremities. Another advantage is its high warmth to weight ratio. The unique advantages of synthetic fleece material, also known as spun fleece material or polar fleece material are well described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,630 to Hale, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,837 to Otto, et al. Synthetic fleece is a lightweight, breathable, cushioning, and quick drying material that is well suited to retaining warmth and imparting comfort. It is amenable to waterproofing treatments and can be used by itself or as a liner to a garment with a weather resistant shell. Because of these advantages, spun fleece is now commonly used in many forms of outerwear; but nowhere in the prior art is synthetic fleece material disclosed in other consumer products. One example is pom poms. Pom poms are typically bundles of strands of a material such as plastic, mylar or crepe paper. The prior art teaches that pom poms are regularly used for cheering at and for competing entities, such as at professional, college and high school sporting team events. The pom poms known and used include types that are hand-held, finger-held and pom poms attached to the end of a stick. However, regardless of how the pom poms are used there are no alternative choices as to the material from which they are created.

[0008] An example of an existing pom pom can be found on-line at www.pomexpress.com and www.pepcopoms.com and devices of this type can be obtained from various cheer and dance outfitter companies. While several styles are found, there is no variation in product composition or materials. A polyester fleece pom pom differs in that it is made from a fabric. The conventional plastic and mylar pom poms shed tassels. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide alternative choices.

[0009] It is therefore a primary feature, object, aspect, and/or advantage of the present invention to present strips of synthetic fleece adapted for use which improves on the state of the art.

[0010] It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide strips of synthetic fleece material, and in particular, to products that include the strips in ways that are integrated into functional products, or can be made into functional products.

[0011] It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide synthetic fleece (a primary example which is known as polyester fleece), fashioned into relatively thin, elongated strips and combined the strips together into products such as a pom pom.

[0012] It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a pom pom that is reusable and does not shed tassels.

[0013] It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a pom pom that is versatile, colorful, stain-resistant, anti-pill, washable and fast drying, one that does not fray, and is durable.

[0014] A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide synthetic fleece, fashioned into strips which are added to other products to enhance the visual or aesthetic appeal of them. One example is tassels along at least part of a perimeter edge of a blanket or cover.

[0015] A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide synthetic fleece, fashioned into strips which are added to other products to add a custom, one-of-a kind design element.

[0016] A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide synthetic fleece, fashioned into strips which are added to other products to add value since the perceived value increases when decorative tassels are included.

[0017] Still a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide synthetic fleece, fashioned into a thread or yarn for use in the weaving industry.

[0018] Other objects, features, aspects, and/or advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the accompanying description and drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention includes the general idea of using what will be called “synthetic fleece” (a primary example of which is known as polyester fleece), fashioned into relatively thin, elongated strips of varying lengths and widths adapted for a variety of uses alone or in combination with other products to enhance the product.

[0020] In its broadest embodiment, the present invention provides a method for making a product from synthetic fleece comprising providing one or more strips of fleece material having opposite ends and sides, wherein said strips of fleece are created from a larger single piece of synthetic fleece that has a directional characteristic and function that lends said strips for use in products that will experience different force, wherein the selection of direction of cut selected to either take advantage of or not of the directional characteristic of said material.

[0021] In one aspect of the invention, the strips are created from a larger single piece of synthetic fleece in a manner that lends the strips best suited for use in products that will experience different forces. Synthetic fleece has certain inherent properties where selection of direction of cut determines functional aspects of the strips.

[0022] In another aspect of the invention, specially cut strips are gathered and secured into an easy to handle bundle to make a product such as a pom pom.

[0023] In yet another aspect of the invention, synthetic fleece strips are provided to add to other products to enhance them. One example is tassels along at least part of a perimeter edge of a blanket. Many people like to make or need blankets but do not sew or own a sewing machine. Fleece tassels are durable, warm, washable and provide a very nice distinctive style to a product.

[0024] In a still further aspect of the invention, synthetic fleece strips are provided for making a thread or yarn for use in the weaving industry. The thread or yarn when stretched ravels into a strong yarn.

[0025] One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 is an end elevation view of two stacked fleece pieces 10 folder together to make layers.

[0027]FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of stacked layers of fleece pieces being cut with a rotary blade.

[0028]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the midsection 14 and cut strips 12 of the fleece material. This cut assures no shedding of tassels.

[0029]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of unfolded fleece pieces.

[0030]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of cut fleece pieces stacked evenly one on top of the other.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a side view of fleece pieces rolled according to a desired design.

[0032]FIG. 7 is a side view of the bundles secured by a fastening means wrapped around the uncut midsection 14.

[0033]FIG. 8 is a side view of a cut strip of fleece material 20 wrapped around the midsection to cover the fastener 18.

[0034]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing ornamentation placed on a pom pom 34.

[0035]FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a bell 26 placed on a strip of a pom pom 32 for ornamentation.

[0036]FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a plurality of bells placed on a pom pom 34 for ornamentation.

[0037]FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a handle 28 inserted under the midsection band 20 and tied together.

[0038]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pom pom 34.

[0039]FIG. 14 is a top plan view of strips or tassels 36 made from fleece material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0040] For better understanding of the invention, exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail. Frequent reference will be made to the appended drawings. Reference numerals are used to indicate certain parts and locations in the drawings.

[0041] This detailed description describes only a few of the possible configurations of synthetic fleece strips for pom poms, used to finish no-sew fleece blankets, or as a yarn as indicated by the present invention. These examples are intended to show just some of the possibilities. Variations and other configurations are included within the scope of the invention.

[0042]FIG. 1 shows two stacked 12 inch×60 inch pieces of fleece 10 which preferably have the selvage removed from each side (approximately 1″) and folded together in half to make 4 layers, 58 inches long and 6 inches wide. In a preferred embodiment, a 60 mm rotary blade is used to cut through 4 layers 5.5 inches leaving approximately 0.5 inch intact at the folded edge 14. See FIG. 2. This assures no shedding of the tassels. Approximately, 90 strips 12 are cut across 29″. FIG. 3 provides a top view of the cutting process. The uncut midsection 14 is approximately 1 inch wide with approximately 38-90 strips cut on each side 12 (see FIG. 3). The unfolded fleece pieces as shown in FIG. 4 are then stacked evenly one on top of the other making sure that the strips are straight (see FIG. 5). The stacked fleece pieces are then rolled according to a desired design. The desired design depends on how the fleece pieces are rolled together. For example, rolling together in a straight line gives a target effect. Rolling accordion style gives a mixed effect and rolling one color completely then another color around gives a bull's eye effect. As exemplified herein is the accordion roll.

[0043] The bundles 16 of rolled fleece are secured with a fastening means 18 around the uncut midsection 14 as shown in FIG. 7. In a preferred embodiment, a 5 inch self fastening Secur-A-Tach® Fasteners is wrapped around the 1″ uncut midsection 14. Secur-A-Tach® Fasteners are available from the Avery Dennison Corporation. However, other fastening means having similar properties can be used.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, a strip of fleece material 20, of the same or like color as the rolled bundle 16, is cut into a 1 inch×12 inch strip (FIG. 8B). Then, a triangular-shaped pattern 22 is cut out of each end at a depth of 0.5 inch. The strip is then wrapped around the midsection to cover the plastic fastener (FIG. 8A).

[0045] Ornamentations can be added to the pom pom such as bells. Accordingly, in this embodiment, a hook 24 is used to thread bells 26 on different tassels 12 spaced evenly apart. In a preferred embodiment, a 1.90 mm crochet hook 24 is used to thread 3 goldtone 13 mm bells 26 on 3 different tassels 12 spaced approximately 1 inch apart. The bells are preferably placed in the middle section of the pom pom. A neighboring tassel is used to tie a double knot 30 to secure the bell in place. See FIGS. 9-11.

[0046] Additionally, the pom pom product construction features may include a handle 28, which is cut from a 12 inch×0.25 inch strip of fleece material in the non-stretch direction. The strip is inserted under the midsection band 20 and the ends tied together with a knot 32 as depicted in FIG. 12. In another embodiment, the handle can be from plastic or some other similar to plastic which is attached by means known in the art, such as tying, to the midsection band 20. The present invention contemplates such handle or grip styles such as a rooter-type handle, a loop handle, a flare/crown handle, and the like.

[0047] Other types of ornamentations can be added to the pom pom (instead of or in addition to bells). Also, colors or indicia related to a group or organization (e.g., school colors) could be created by using fleece strips of the group's colors (e.g., one color, two colors, or more). For two colors, an approximately equal number of strips of one color and the second color are used. The different colored strips would preferably be basically equally distributed in the pom pom, to the extent possible. It is contemplated that an indicia such as wording, logos, lettering on fleece strips or other material or devices (e.g., hang tags) could be added to the pom pom.

[0048] The polyester fleece market is the fastest growing fabric in the industry worldwide. It is used to make a wide variety of consumer goods but to date is not used for pompoms. Polyester fleece is an excellent insulator from the cold and will aid in warming hands during use. Another advantage is its high warmth to weight ratio. Polyester fleece pompoms are versatile, colorful, stain-resistant, anti-pill, washable and fast drying, wear well, don't fray, extremely durable, almost impossible to tear and nice to touch. Fleece appeals to both sexes and all ages and fits the modern lifestyle. Fleece is made of 100% polyester fibers from recyclable materials and is hypoallergenic. PET waste can be spun into polyester fiber and polyester fleece can be recycled into PET pellets to be used as raw material.

[0049] This newly designed pom pom is an alternative to the current pom poms available on the market. The fabric is washable, color fast, colorful, nicer to touch and hold than its plastic counterparts, hypoallergenic and has a high warmth to weight ratio. It is made of recycled material and has a long reusable life.

[0050] The characteristics of polyester are perfect for this product because fleece is extremely durable, needs no special care to maintain its integrity and offers an alternative to the plastic counterparts.

[0051] The assembled fleece pom pom 34 (as shown in FIG. 13) can be used for cheerleaders, dance squads, fans and children's toys. It is used as any pom pom by holding and shaking. Unlike other pom poms, this product disclosed herein aids in keeping hands warm and lasts longer because of its durability and general properties.

[0052] As should be appreciated, the pom pom product can be sold or used one at a time or in pairs, or in other quantities.

[0053] In a second embodiment, fleece tassels are cut from 100% polyester fleece or “synthetic fleece” and fashioned into tassels and can be adapted to finish no-sew fleece blankets or covers with tied tassels, an embroidery stitch or crochet, to enhance or embellish the product. Other objects include, but are not limited to, pillows, shaws, dog beds, cat toys, cat beds, window treatments, show curtains, and reupholstering furnishings. Many people like to make or need blankets or covers but do not sew or own a sewing machine. The tassels disclosed herein provide distinctive style, are durable, washable, and add warmth to blankets or covers. Additionally, the tassels can be adapted or configured for rug hooking. The hooked rugs made with strips of fleece disclosed herein are woven using a hand hook, similar in shape to a crochet hook, to form a looped pile.

[0054] Tassels are cut in the non-stretch direction of the fleece. These tassels will not stretch and are used to secure layers of fleece fabric made into blankets fashioned from a desired pattern. The same cut of tassels is used to make a duster and pom pom as disclosed herein. Fleece tassels cut on the stretch direction can be pulled to form a very strong yarn that is perfect for crocheting an edge or embroidering a finishing stitch around the edge of the blanket.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, strips or tassels 36 are cut on the non-stretch direction from a single piece of fleece material in the direction indicated in FIG. 14. The tassels can be attached to all or a part of the perimeter of a blanket (synthetic fleece or other material) or cover in any manner desired. Various alternative designs and ties can be used, according to choice.

[0056] The tassels or strips 36 can be cut in the same dimensions or varying dimensions. They can be used, according to choice, for a variety of things, including pom poms or other products. They can used to create combinations of the strips for a variety of uses. Or a strip or plurality of strips could be added to another product or object (e.g. packaging, cards, etc.).

[0057] A variation of this embodiment is a reusable tasseled duster (similar to the product shown in FIG. 13) made out of over one hundred 100% polyester fleece strips that picks up more dust, animal dander, hair, cobwebs, “dust bunnies” and other particles better than similar products on the market. The specially designed duster fits comfortably in the hand and moves easily over surfaces to pick up dust and other debris. The newly designed duster is safe for use on virtually any smooth surface: porcelain, plastic, wood, enamel, glass, vehicles, countertops, silver, brass or copper. It is made of recycled material and has a long reusable life.

[0058] The characteristics of polyester are perfect for this product because fleece is extremely durable and needs no special care to maintain its integrity. The tassels add a loft and dimension that, combined with the inherent electrostatic properties, attract more dust, lint and debris than other products on the market.

[0059] There are many feather dusters which “molt” when dusting. Other synthetic dusters do not hold heavier dust allowing it to release allergens into the air. Many of them need to be sprayed with a dusting spray to hold the dust. These dusters must be shaken to clean and are not machine washable.

[0060] The properties of polyester fleece overcome the shortcomings of other “feather” dusters on the market.

[0061] The pom pom duster is held in the hand and rubbed lightly over the surface to be dusted. The fluffy design and volume together with the electrostatic properties of the fabric enable it to pick up greater volumes of dust particles without the use of dusting sprays. To clean, machine wash and dry.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the pom pom duster can be constructed as described previously relative to the cheerleading pom pom, except without the bells.

[0063] A third embodiment of the present invention provides fashioning fleece strips into yarn or narrower strands (e.g., ⅛ inch wide) and a selected length or lengths (e.g., several feet). Optionally, the yarn can be wound around a card or into a skein, or into skeins of varying weights, or other rigid paper for sale, manageability or the like.

[0064] Strips are originally cut to ¼ inch width to a starting length in the direction of the stretch of the material. Then, the ½ inch wide strip is stretched or pulled length-wise which converts it to a yarn-like material approximately ⅛-¼ inch width. The strand can then be used or cut to a desired length by the user for use as a ribbon for wrapping gifts, or other ornamentation. The strips disclosed herein when cut in the stretch direction can be adapted for any crochet or needlework project that involves the use of yarn. Such embodiments are contemplated by the present invention. The strips can be colored, or be multi-colored along its length.

[0065] While sixty inch strips can be stretched to such lengths of around 144 inches into a strong yarn, Applicants have unexpectedly found other lengths to be useful. Fleece strips having shorter lengths of about 5½ inches×{fraction (1/2)} inch are also advantageous for certain embodiments. By way of example and not by limitation, strips of shorter lengths can be used for embellishment, on rugs, or configured into a pom pom-like ornamentation and attached to shoe apparel such as flip flops, if desired. Additionally, strips of shorter lengths can be used in rug hooking. The hooked rugs made with strips of fleece disclosed herein are woven using a hand hook, similar in shape to a crochet hook, to form a looped pile. Longer lengths can be adaptable to crocheting, making afghans, scarfs, hat, mittens, and sweaters and the like.

[0066] As describe herein, in certain embodiments, the tassels or strips can be cut in the same dimensions or varying dimensions. They can be used, according to choice, for a variety of things, including pom poms or other products. They can used to create combinations of the strips for a variety of uses. Or a strip or plurality of strips could be added to another product or object (e.g., packaging, cards, curtain tiebacks, home furnishings, crafts, bookmarks, etc.).

[0067] The above-described exemplary embodiments are given by way of example only, and not by way of limitation to the invention. It will be appreciated that the present invention can take many forms and embodiments. Variations obvious to one skilled in the art will be included within the invention.

[0068] Variation in size and configuration of the products and strips is possible. Still further, different forms of the material can be used by hand. Some forms can be used in combination with other products or used alone or with different things for different functions (e.g., strips could be used as ribbon to finish edges or other parts of blankets or towels). Strips or parts of strips could be used as packing material or bedding fill. A wide variety of options exist for building in color, designs, patterns, or indicia on the strips. One example would be to impart color or combinations of colors, with or without patterns by wet rotary printing. Other ways are possible. Also, material or objects could be added to the strips for functional or ornamentation purposes (e.g., beads).

[0069] Different types and weights of what is called herein “synthetic fleece” (one primary example being polyester fleece) can be used. One specific example of material that could be used with the foregoing examples would be 330-380 grams per square yard 100% polyester fleece available, e.g. from Baum Textiles Mill of Jersey City, N.J. or Alexandria Farr, Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif. However, other materials having similar properties can be used.

[0070] Of course, the invention relates to not only devices and apparatus, but also the methods of use of the products, as indicated by the exemplary embodiments.

[0071] While this invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that variations and modifications thereof might be evolved which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for making a product having the configuration of a pom pom from fleece material comprising: stacking a first surface of a first fleece member on a surface of a second fleece member; folding together said members in half to form a plurality of layers; cutting longitudinally across said layers; unfolding said members; rolling said members according to a desired design; and securing bundles together generated by said rolling of said members with a fastening means around midsection of said bundles.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said cutting layers are cut so that a folded edge is left uncut.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein rolling said members together in a straight line gives a mixed effect.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein rolling said members in an accordion style-like manner gives a mixed effect.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein rolling one member completely then a second member around said first member gives a bull's eye effect.
 6. The method of claim 1 comprising wrapping around said midsection a strip of synthetic fleece material to cover said fastening means.
 7. The method of claim 1 comprising placing on at least one tassel an ornament.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein said ornament is positioned toward the middle of said bundles.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein said ornament is a bell.
 10. The method of claim 1 comprising providing a handle by cutting a strip of synthetic fleece material in a non-stretch direction and inserting said strip under said fastening means and tying together.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein said first fleece member and said second fleece member is the same or different colors.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein first and second members have an uncut midsection that is approximately one inch wide and comprises approximately 38-90 strips cut longitudinally on each side.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein said stacked first and second members are approximately 12 inches×60 inches.
 14. A pom pom produced by the method of claim
 1. 15. A method for making a strip or tassel from a fleece material comprising: providing a member of a fleece material; cutting said member thereby generating strips of said fleece material.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein said strips are cut in the non-stretch direction of said fleece material.
 17. The method according to claim 15 wherein said strips have the same or different dimensions.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein said flat member is cut into about 12 inch×0.25 inch strips.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein said flat member is cut into about 5½ inch×¼ inch strips.
 20. The method of claim 15 wherein said flat member is cut into about 5½ inch×½ inch strips.
 21. A strip or tassel made according to the method of claim
 15. 22. A method for producing a yarn or thread-like product from fleece material comprising: providing a member of a fleece material; cutting said member thereby generating strips of said fleece material; stretching said strips into a yarn or thread.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein said strips are cut longitudinally on a stretch direction of said member.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein said strips are cut to about ¼ inch wide strips.
 25. The method of claim 22 wherein said strips are stretched to a width of about ⅛ inch wide strips.
 26. The method of claim 22 wherein an about 60 inch strip or tassel is stretched to approximately 144 inches, thereby forming a yarn or thread-like product.
 27. A fleece yarn or thread produced by the method of claim
 22. 28. A method for making a product from synthetic fleece comprising: providing one or more strips of fleece material having opposite ends and sides, wherein said strips of fleece are created from a larger single piece of synthetic fleece that has a directional characteristic and function that lends said strips for use in products that will experience different force, wherein the selection of direction of cut either takes advantage of or not of the directional characteristic of said material.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein said directional characteristic is elasticity and wherein said cut promotes elasticity.
 30. The method of claim 28 wherein said directional characteristic is elasticity and wherein said cut deters elasticity.
 31. The method of claim 28 further comprising a plurality strips of fleece material having opposite ends and sides, wherein said strips of fleece are created from a larger single piece of synthetic fleece that has a directional characteristic and function that lends said strips for use in products that will experience different force, wherein the selection of direction of cut either takes advantage of or not of the directional characteristic of said material.
 32. The method of claim 31 wherein said directional characteristic is elasticity and wherein said cut promotes elasticity.
 33. The method of claim 31 wherein said directional characteristic is elasticity and wherein said cut deters elasticity. 